I crawled through the narrow opening and found that the men were seated so close together that not an inch of spare room was between them.  A small space was reserved for Murden, Fred, and myself, but it did not look large enough to seat one of us comfortably.  In the corner opposite to me was the wounded man, and partly resting upon one of the police was Rover, as quiet and orderly a dog as ever suffered confinement for the purpose of saving life.

“And von’t you take me in?” asked Steel Spring, as Murden entered our over-crowded den.

“Your miserable system of treachery does not entitle you to that kindness.  Burn, and get a foretaste of what you may expect in the next world,” replied Murden.

“I’ll see you all hanged first,” was the indignant answer of the long-legged brute; and we did not hear another murmur escape him, although we felt that his sufferings must be intense, and his ultimate death certain.

CHAPTER XXX.

Perilous situation during the fire.—­Steel spring turns up.

As Murden crouched down by my side, he loosened his pistols in his belt, and whispering to me, requested that I would follow his example.  While I wondered at his command, he spoke to his men, and then I understood his motive.

“During our long connection with the police force,” the lieutenant said, “we have never been placed in a situation like the present.  We have undergone almost starvation—­we have had bushrangers howling at our heels and ready to kill all who fell behind while on the march—­we have been nearly dead for the want of water—­we have been surrounded by natives wielding poisoned spears, and you know that a prick from them is death—­we have enjoyed good and bad fortune together, have we not?”

“We have,” replied the men, with one accord.

“And during all the scenes through which we have passed, have I not shared your dangers and toils?” Murden asked.

“That you have,” the police said, uttered in a tone of voice that showed they should like to see the man who would gainsay it.

“I ask you these questions, men, because all dangers through which we have, passed were nothing compared to the present.  Our safety depends upon our actions.”

“Our actions?” repeated the men, in great surprise.

“Yes, I repeat it.  Our safety depends upon ourselves.  You feel that the air is close and heated within our retreat.  In half an hour’s time the present temperature would seem like winter if offered in contrast to what we shall endure.  We shall suffer for water, and perhaps none of us will survive the ordeal; but let me tell you that our hope of safety is in keeping still, and enduring all without a murmur.  If a disturbance does come in our midst, and one of you loses his reason, remember I shall not hesitate to sacrifice him to preserve the rest.  I have my pistols with me—­they are loaded, and I seldom miss my aim.”